The driver gave a negative declaration for currency in excess of $10,000, weapons or ammunition. During the inspection of the vehicle, CBP officers noted discrepancies with a box of detergent soap that was in the trunk of the vehicle. CBP canine “Aras” alerted to the presence of currency/weapons in the box of detergent soap. A non-intrusive imaging system scan on the box of detergent soap revealed anomalies inside the box.

CBP officers opened the box of detergent soap and discovered 13 bundles containing a total of $99,480 in undeclared U.S. currency. CBP officer arrested Zavala Vega on bulk cash smuggling charges and turned him over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents who investigated the seizure. CBP officers seized the vehicle and the undeclared currency.